PDHonline Course M149 (4 PDH)

HVAC Design Aspects:

Choosing A Right System

Instructor: A. Bhatia, B.E.

2012

PDH Online | PDH Center

5272 Meadow Estates Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030-6658
Phone & Fax: 703-988-0088
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HVAC Design Aspects

Choosing A Right System Central V/s Compact Systems

Course Content
PART 1

AIR-CONDITIONING CONSIDERATIONS

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems play a vital role in the successful
operation of a facility. They are responsible for maintaining comfort conditions day in and day out.
HVAC systems are of great importance to architectural design efforts for four main reasons.
1. First, these systems often require substantial floor space and/or building volume for
equipment and distribution elements that must be accommodated during the design
process.
2. Second, HVAC systems constitute a major budget item for numerous common building
types.
3. Third, the success or failure of thermal comfort efforts is usually directly related to the
success or failure of a buildings HVAC systems.
4. Last, but not least, maintaining appropriate thermal conditions through HVAC system
operation is a major driver of building energy consumption.

HVAC System Evolution

The first step in selecting a HVAC system is to determine and document constraints dictated by
performance, capacity, available space, budgets and any other factors important to the project.
This usually starts with a formal meeting with an architect/owner and understanding his or her
requirements.
Owner's Needs
If the architect is a creator, the customer is a king and his needs and requirements must be met.
Depending on the customer goals, the building and its HVAC requirements have to be designed
accordingly. For example take an example of multi-storey office building. The complete building
may have either a single owner or multiple owners. A single owner normally has a preference for
a central plant, as the quality of air conditioning is far superior and life expectancy is higher. The
operation and maintenance costs are also lower than a floor-by-floor system. In addition the

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owners can opt for an intelligent building by incorporating a building management system (BMS).
This will enable the owner to derive benefits of optimal utilization of the air conditioning plant.
A multiple owner facility requires a system, which provides individual ownership and energy billing
for which a floor-by-floor air conditioning system using packaged units or split units is most suited
subject to economics of space and aesthetics.
Another important requirement is the normal working hours of the user/users. Some users may
have different working hours or different timings. Some areas such as computer rooms may need
24-hour air conditioning. Other areas may have special design requirements. Due to such
multiple requirements many engineers prefer a hybrid system which is a combination of a
central plant and packaged units/split units. For example, a hotel may use packaged unitary air
conditioners (or fan coil units served with air-water central system) for the individual guest rooms,
roof top units for meeting rooms/restaurants, and a central plant system for the lobby, corridors
and other common spaces. Such systems offer high flexibility in meeting the requirement of
different working hours and special design conditions.
While HVAC engineer manages the system design the architect retains control of the complete
building product. The type of system selected is determined by HVAC designer's knowledge of
systems. Architect must also understand the basics, system objectives, the role of key system
components, the type of systems that are available and what such systems can and cannot
accomplish.
Most customers may not understand HVAC design aspects; their benefits and limitations and it is
the architects/HVAC engineer's responsibility to guide and advise the best option. For HVAC
engineer the customer may be an architect whose customer may be the building owner.

What Influence HVAC design?

Investment in a building project entails significant capital investment and associated costs over
the economic life of the project. It is a mistaken notion that the buildings costs have to be
expensed once. The buildings like any other industry have running expenses in a way that they
consume lot of energy and require water & disposal facilities that accounts for significant
recurring costs. The HVAC systems often are very large and are responsible for a large portion of
a buildings first cost and operating cost.
Every building is unique. For instance residential apartments, shopping complex, office complex,
hospital, hotel, airport or industry; all have different functional requirements, occupancy pattern
and usage criteria. The geographical location of the building, ambient conditions, indoor
requirements, building materials, dimensional parameters, aesthetic requirements, noise and

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environment issues need careful evaluation. The HVAC design and selection must be customized
to meet all these requirements.
Each solution begins with an assessment of the owners business needs for HVAC, architects
vision, requirements of the facilities manager, combined with a review of the HVAC system itself,
be it existing or planned.
Examples of few common restrictions are highlighted below that can change the course of
design:

Constraints

Consequences

Space is at premium

Less mechanical room space is available to

house the equipments. Small, sleek, ceiling
or roof-mounted equipments may be desired
in place of big air-handling units.

Water is scarce

Only air-cooled equipment is permitted

Aesthetics are prime importance

No equipment should be visible or should

suitably blend with environment

Building heights are low

Inadequate spaces to run ducts, probably

the system shall be best suited to air-water
fan coil option

Electrical rates are high

Energy efficient design/equipments shall be

primary goal

Noise control is important

Sufficient attenuation shall be required

Usage patterns are unique

Zone control or individual control is needed

Stringent codes & standards requirements

Say smoke removal systems, integration

with fire systems, equipment location,
Legion-alla disease etc

Precise indoor environment

Equipment and control design must respond

to close tolerances on temperature/humidity,

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Constraints

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Consequences
cleanliness, indoor air quality etc.

Environmental constraints

Use of non-ozone depleting refrigerants, or

may be the ambient is very
corrosive/contaminated or no untreated
exhaust from building is permitted

Schedules are tight

Desired/interface data may not be available

or firmed up

Building retrofitting, expansion or

Requires sound knowledge of available

refurbishment. Existing HVAC

technology that could be adaptable to

equipment/design must be utilized as far as

existing equipment, ductwork and piping.

possible while creating new plans

Integrating is required to fit new equipment

into existing spaces.

The above is just a random sample; there are many other factors that need to be coordinated.
Bringing all of these constraints to a common solution requires skillful evaluation of HVAC
options, scrutinizing them and ultimately selecting the best alternatives for optimum results and
maximizing the buildings value.

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PART 2

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OVERVIEW OF CENTRAL & COMPACT SYSTEMS

The choice of an HVAC system, whether central or compact floor-by-floor is a critical decision
required to be undertaken during preliminary or conceptual phase
HVAC systems are available in a wide variety such as:
!"Chilled water central system (central systems)
!"Direct expansion systems (which are also called compact units or local units or unitary
units of floor by floor units such as heat pump, package, split or roof top units)
Selecting the best system or combination of systems for a particular building must be carefully
considered and researched by the consulting engineer in close coordination with the architect,
electrical and plumbing consultants and owners, before finalizing the basic HVAC system design
and building layout.
Detailed engineering, duct and pipe layouts, shaft locations and sizes, plant room dimensions etc,
can follow in a systematic manner before construction work begins.
HVAC system components may be grouped into three functional categories: source components,
distribution components, and delivery components.
1. Source components provide or remove heat or moisture. This includes refrigeration
chiller for cooling and boiler or hot water generator for heating.
2. Distribution components convey a heating or cooling medium from a source location to
portions of a building that require conditioning. This includes air-handling units (AHU), fan
coil units, radiators etc.
3. Delivery components serve as an interface between the distribution system and occupied
spaces. This includes diffusers, grilles, registers etc.
Active HVAC systems may be designed to condition a single space (or portion of a space) from a
location within or directly adjacent to the space. Such a system is known as a local system. Local
systems (also known as compact systems or unitary systems) often incorporate all the above
three functions in a single piece of equipment.
Systems that are intended to condition multiple spaces from one base location are called central
systems. Such systems usually have distinctly different equipment elements for each function.

CENTRAL SYSTEMS
Central systems are defined as those in which the cooling is generated in a chiller and distributed
to air-handling units or fan-coil units with a chilled water system. This category includes systems
with air-cooled chillers as well as systems with cooling towers for heat rejection.

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Heating in these systems is often generated in a boiler and is distributed in hot water or steam
piping.
Central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems regulate temperature,
ventilation, and humidity levels to ensure the physical comfort of occupants in most commercial
and industrial buildings. Central HVAC systems come in a variety of different types such as all-air
systems, constant volume, variable volume, dual duct, air-water and all-water systems. All-air
systems are the most commonly used central HVAC systems because of its simplicity and
effective control. Escalating concerns for acceptable indoor air quality may suggest the increasing
use of all-air systems.
Unfortunately, air is not an efficient heat transfer medium, thus, all-air systems may require
extensive building volume for ductwork distribution. In situations where ductwork cannot be
reasonably accommodated in the building design, air-water or all-water approaches may be
considered.

Brief Overview
A central or built-up HVAC system is custom-designed for a building. The components of a
central system fall into two broad categories: "primary components" and "secondary
components."

Primary Components
Primary components, often called "central plant" equipment, convert energy from fuel or electricity
into heating and cooling energy in the form of hot water, steam, chilled water or refrigerant:

Refrigeration equipment options include water chillers and direct-expansion (DX)

equipment.
Chilled water chillers use a refrigeration cycle to cool water to 42 to 45 F for pumping to
chilled water-cooling coils. Air is then blown over the chilled water-cooling coils to provide
cool air to the conditioned space. DX systems also use a refrigeration cycle, but distribute
refrigerant directly to DX cooling coils. High-efficiency chillers can produce chilled water
using less than 0.60 kW per ton of cooling capacity.
A refrigeration system must also reject the heat that it removes using a water cooling or
air-cooling. Water-cooled chillers require condenser water (CW) pumps and cooling
towers to reject heat. Air-cooled chillers reject heat in air-cooled condensers, which use
significant fan power.
Chillers could be reciprocating compressors (up to 200 tons), screw compressors (100 to
750 tons) and centrifugal compressors (200 to 2000 tons).

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Centrifugal chillers

150-2000 TR

Water cooled screw chillers

100-750 TR

Air cooled screw chillers

100-750 TR

Water cooled reciprocating chillers 30-200 TR

Air cooled reciprocating chillers

10-200 TR

Steam fired absorption chillers

150-2000 TR

Direct fired absorption chillers

300-2500 TR

The centrifugal compressors offer the best peak load efficiency while screw chillers give
better part load and the off-design performance.
They also offer turn down ratios up to about 20% by employing capacity control methods
like VSD for centrifugal chillers and modulating/stepped slide valve control for screw
chillers. Semi hermetic and open type reciprocating chillers have stepped capacity
controls, however, the part load efficiency of a reciprocating machine is lower than its full
load efficiency.

Boilers produce hot water or steam to distribute to heating coils. Though hot water is the
most common fluid, steam is sometimes used because of its high heat per unit volume.
Both types of boiler are typically 80-85 percent efficient. Gas is the most common fuel.

Pumps circulate chilled water, hot water, and cooling tower water. Centrifugal pumps,
driven by electric motors, are most common. When water flow varies with changing
loads, pumps can be efficiently controlled with variable speed (frequency) drives (VFDs).

Secondary Components
Secondary components, sometimes called "system" equipment, deliver heating and cooling to
occupied spaces:

Air handling equipment may be centrally located or several air handlers may be
distributed throughout a facility. Most facilities use modular air handlers, but built-up air
handlers may be found in larger facilities. All air handlers adjust air temperature and

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humidity and remove dust and other particles from air before distributing it to occupied
spaces. This is accomplished through a series of coils, filters, humidifiers, fans, and
dampers.
Ducts, plenums and shafts distribute air. Plenums above suspended ceilings are
frequently used for return air. Large multi-story facilities often use shafts built into the
structure for supply air return air and outside air.

Terminal units are devices at the end of a duct or pipe that transfer desired heating or
cooling to the conditioned space. Some types commonly used with central HVAC
systems include fan-coil units, induction units, and convectors.

Controls are used to make components work together efficiently. They turn equipment
on/off, adjust energy outputs (chillers, boilers), adjust flow rates (fans, pumps, coils),
adjust temperatures (air, water, thermostats in conditioned spaces), and adjust pressures
(ducts, pipes, conditioned space).

Refrigerants in chiller systems are generally chlorofluorocarbons (HFCs and HCFCs). CFCs can
no longer be used due to environmental concerns of ozone depletion under Montreal & Kyoto
protocol. HCFC 22 shall be phased out by the year 2020 and majority of new central installations
are with refrigerant HFC-134a. The table below provides a brief compilation of current and future
refrigerants for various types of air-conditioner packages.

System Types
Most facilities use variations and combinations of a few basic approaches, and their HVAC
systems are frequently described according to how they use air, water or both to distribute
heating and cooling energy to the space; i.e., all-air, all-water or air-water systems. Common
system types are discussed below. (Note: constant volume and dual-duct systems are inefficient.

Constant Volume (CV) and CV Terminal Reheat systems accomplish cooling and heating
by varying the supply air temperature and keeping the air volume constant. Air gets

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heated or cooled and humidified to the desired level, and the constant-volume supply fan
*

moves this conditioned air to the zone . The system works well and maintains
comfortable conditions in spaces with uniform heating and cooling requirements.
If heating and cooling requirements are not uniform dividing the space into several zones
and using several single-zone systems, or a dual-duct/ multi-zone system can achieve
better temperature control. Systems serving multiple zones must meet differing
requirements. One way to do so is with a constant-volume terminal reheat system. To
meet differing heating or cooling loads in each zone, an electric reheat or a hot water
heating coil reheats the constant volume cool supply air just before it enters the room.
The reheat system is energy inefficient and is not recommended.

Variable Air Volume (VAV) and VAV with Terminal Reheat system changes the quantity
of air supplied to a zone rather than the temperature of cool air in response to changes in
loads. As a zone's cooling load decreases, a damper in its VAV control box starts to
close, reducing the supply of cool air. A VAV system saves fan energy as a result of this
reduced airflow. Maximum savings are achieved using variable frequency drive (VFD) to
control the fan speed/output.
A cooling-only VAV system works well in areas where cooling load is quite fluctuating say
for conference room (load fluctuate due to occupancy) or exterior zone of the building
(load fluctuate due to solar orientation). If a VAV system is used to serve zones at the
perimeter, which require winter heating, hot water coils or electric heater in the VAV box
reheat the air. The reheat is only applied in situations where the box has already reduced
the cool supply air to the minimum position required for ventilation.

All-water Systems and Air-Water Systems: In a typical hydronic (all-water) system,

heated and/or cooled water is pumped from the central plant through pipes to a terminal
unit in each zone where room air passes through is heated or cooled by a coil. There are
two common piping arrangements: two-pipe and four-pipe systems. Combining a
hydronic system with an air system provides clean, comfortably humidified outside air
from a central air system that has been heated or cooled by hydronic terminal units in
each zone.

*
A zone is defined as a region of a building that requires separate control. For example, it may not be
possible to successfully condition an interior space of the building and perimeter spaces covered with
glazing or below ground office area and glass enclosed atrium from a single control point. The dynamics of
the thermal loads in the two spaces are not compatible. To provide comfort, each space must be provided
with its own control -- the climate control system must be designed to accommodate separate thermal
zones. Thermal zones must be established very early in the HVAC system design process.

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Typical Applications
Commercial buildings commonly choose several types of systems based on the space
conditioning needs of different systems. A constant-volume system might cool the interior, which
has relatively uniform cooling requirements while a VAV system conditions perimeter areas,
which have variable requirements. Where precision control is required (e.g., laboratories,
precision electronic industry or hospital operating rooms), custom single-zone air handlers may
be used. In large facilities, which have widely varying requirements, flexibility is extremely
important. Table below shows some typical applications for various types of systems.

Typical Applications of Central HVAC System

Building Type
Office Buildings
(low rise)
Office Buildings
(high-rise)
Department
Stores
Universities

Schools

Hospitals

Hotels

Assembly,
Theatres
Libraries,
Museums

Type of System
VAV; or CV in the core, and hydronic at perimeter

Central CV system for core and VAV or hydronic at perimeter

Multiple CV or VAV air handlers

CV, VAV or combined air-water systems at each building

CV or VAV air handlers serving individual common areas, and hydronic or
combined air-water systems in classrooms
Separate CV systems for critical areas; CV or VAV for common areas;
hydronic and combined air-water in patient rooms
VAV for common areas like lobbies, restaurants, ball rooms & banquets; fancoil units in guest rooms for individual temperature and humidity control

Multiple VAV air handlers

Multiple CV air handlers, with precise humidity and temperature control

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LOCAL COMPACT SYSTEMS

Local compact systems are known by various names viz. unitary systems, packaged systems or
individual system. These systems do not use chilled water as an intermediate cooling medium.
The cooling is delivered directly to the supply air in a refrigerant evaporator coil. These units are
sometimes also referred as Direct Expansion, or DX, units.
These typically consist of pre-assembled, off-the-shelf equipment combining heating, cooling, and
fan sections. Local systems include rooftop units or split systems, which have direct-expansion
cooling coils, and are generally have air-cooled heat rejection remote from the cooled space.
These systems are used in most classes of buildings, particularly where low initial cost and
simplified installation are important, and performance requirements are less demanding.
Packaged and unitary air-conditioning systems however consume a large portion of the energy
used in these buildings.

Brief Overview
Local air-conditioning systems are self contained factory made assemblies consisting of a heat
and/or cool source (depending on climate and occupancy demands), a fan, a filter, and control
devices. The most common local air-conditioning system is a small window air-conditioning unit
or large rooftop system. Usually these systems are air-cooled type. The most common types of
unitary HVAC equipment are described below:

Window Units
A window unit is an encased assembly designed primarily for mounting in a framed or unframed
opening in a vertical building enclosure element and takes their name from the face that they are
often installed in window openings. These units are designed for comfort cooling and to provide
delivery of conditioned air to a room without ducts.
As the unit contains both an exterior heat exchange element (condenser) and an interior heat
exchange element (evaporator) it must be located partly inside and partly outside of the building.
This location can lead to several architectural concerns including aesthetics, noise, space
utilization, and leakage (infiltration and water). Heating may be provided by electric resistance
coils or by a reversible refrigeration cycle.

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Figure: Typical Window Unit

Split Units
In a split system, the two sides of the unit shown in the figure (typical window unit above) are
separated, with refrigerant piped between them (hence the name split).. A condensing unit,
consisting of the refrigerant compressor, the condensing coil, and the condensing fan, is located
externally. The indoor unit, consisting of the evaporator and indoor blower, is located near or in
the conditioned space.
The close coupling of evaporator and condenser components in small-scale single-zone systems
using window, unitary or packaged equipment is often too restrictive for many architectural
applications.
#"Window units for example, must penetrate vertical elements of the building envelope -with substantial impact on aesthetics and envelope integrity. Having all system
components in a single location also limits installation flexibility.
#"A through-wall air-conditioner, for example, can only be installed where there is a wall
available; interior spaces cannot be reasonably conditioned with such equipment.
The split system provides a solution to these potential problems. For example, the evaporator unit
might be located in a basement; interior closet or attic while the compressor/ condenser unit
might be located on the side, rear or roof of a building.
Such an arrangement provides enhanced architectural and thermal opportunities -- HVAC
equipment may be easily concealed and interior spaces easily conditioned. Split indoor units
blend well into interior spaces and you don't have to sacrifice a window as window type air
conditioning units.
Separation distance between exterior and interior elements is usually limited to around 100 feet.
Split-systems are popular in small, single-story buildings.

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Figure: Typical Split Unit Arrangement

Packaged Air Conditioners:

A package air-conditioner system is a variant of large split systems. This equipment differs from
small individual air conditioning or heating equipment in that air ducts are used to move the
conditioned air to and from the unit.
Unlike small individual small split units, the compressor is installed together with the indoor unit
rather than the outdoor unit. This makes this unit noisier compared to the small splits but shall
allow a larger cooling capacity for the indoor unit.
Take a note on terminology; when we say condensing unit while explaining split air-conditioning
system, it implies both the condenser and the compressor. Also sometimes word packaged
terminal air-conditioner is used which in technical parlance is described as a unit which does not
require any thermal distribution ductwork or piping. These are packaged units are intended for
through-the-wall installation. Simple controls are located on the unit.

Figure: Typical Vertical Package Unit

Roof top Units

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A rooftop unit typically consists of vapor compression refrigeration cycle and a heat source
(electric resistance, heat pump, or on-site combustion), an air handler (fan, filter, dampers), and
control devices. A packaged rooftop air-conditioner may function as a local air-conditioning
system if it is not connected to substantial distribution ductwork. Packaged rooftop units are also
commonly used with distribution ductwork in central systems.
The typical capacity for a rooftop-packaged unit is 5 to 100 tons. Rooftop units work well for
single-story buildings, but dont fit into multi-storey schemes. Unitary Systems have all
components on the roof. Split Systems have the compressor and condenser on the roof and the
evaporator coil and air handling components in separate packages located inside the building.
These systems are commonly applied to low-rise buildings and have the bulk of the equipment on
the roof, either as a factory package or in a built-up penthouse. They usually use reciprocating or
screw compressors with air-cooled condensers.
These units are popular for general air-conditioning of stores, residences, schools, offices, etc.
particularly suitable for single flat building with extensive floor areas

Figure: Typical Single-Package Rooftop System

Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are similar to cooling only systems with one exception. A special valve in the
refrigeration piping allows the refrigeration cycle to be operated in reverse; it can heat or cool the
space. For cooling, it operates as a conventional air conditioner. For heating, it reverses the refrigeration
process, removing heat from the outside air and blowing it indoors for space heating.
Heating capacity drops off as the outdoor temperature gets colder; a supplementary electric resistance

heater may also be used to assist the heat pump for colder days.
Heat pumps are configured as single-package units, split-systems, and as packaged terminal heat pumps
(PTHP), similar to the equipment types mentioned above.

The air-to-air heat pump is the most common type of heat pump. Water source heat pumps (WSHP)
are also available that use water as the heat source in the heating mode and reject heat to water in the

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cooling mode. In commercial buildings they are typically connected to a central water loop. A cooling tower
and boiler maintain the temperature of the loop within the proper range.

Compact units including gas heaters are sometimes called "gas-packs." Units mounted on an
exterior wall are commonly called "wall-packs."

Typical Applications of Compact Systems

Building Type

Type of System

Residences, Dormitories

Window or Split Units, Heat Pumps or Package Units

Office Buildings (low rise)

Split Units, Package Units, Roof top Units

Department Stores

Rooftop Units, Package Units

Restaurants

Package Units

Motels

Package Units, Split Units, Heat Pumps, Roof top Units

Small commercial complexes

Package Units, Rooftop Units

Cinema Halls, Theatre

Rooftop Units, Package Units, Custom built DX Units

Library

Rooftop Units, Package Units, Custom built DX Units

Medical centers, clinics

Rooftop Units, Package Units, Custom built DX Units

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CENTRAL SYSTEMS V/s LOCAL SYSTEMS

Below, the reader will find the most comprehensive information on central and local systems:

Sno

CENTRAL SYSTEMS
Central air-conditioning systems

LOCAL SYSTEMS
A local system will consist of

are categorized by field assembly one or more self-contained

of components viz.

equipment units containing

1. Source component comprising cooling/heat source,

of chiller/boiler,
2. Distribution components

distribution, and delivery

functions in a single package.

(air-handling units,

The most common local air-

ducting, piping, terminal

conditioning system comprises

units and auxiliaries) and

one or more window, split or

3. Delivery units (diffusers,

grilles, register etc).

heat pump air-conditioning

units. The available capacity

All these components are field

of these units ranges from 0.5

assembled along with control

ton to 5 tons.

instruments to form a wider

Large compact units are called

system.

package and rooftop direct

expansion units that are
available from 5 tons to 100
tons capacity.

Central systems are procured from

multiple vendors for instance
chiller, boilers, pumps, cooling
tower, expansion vessel, air
handling units, acoustic

silencers, piping, ducting &

auxiliaries etc. System designer
has to produce schematic, layout,
control philosophy and general
arrangement drawings to assist
installation.

One manufacturer is
responsible for the final
unit. Manufacturer-matched
components have certified
ratings and performance data.
Factory assembly allows
improved quality control and
reliability. The local units
are easy to install, which
means less mess, or disruption
or downtime.

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LOCAL SYSTEMS

Central HVAC system may serve one A local HVAC system

or more thermal zones and has its essentially serves a single

major components located outside

thermal zone and has its major

of the zone/s being served --

components located within the

usually in some convenient

zone itself or directly

central location.

adjacent to the zone. Multiple

units are required for
multiple zones.

Central HVAC systems will have as Serving only a single zone,

many points of control

local HVAC systems will have

thermostats) as there are

only one point of control --

multiple zones.

typically a thermostat for

The controls are field wired and

active systems.

are integrated to central control Local units are off shelf

panel.

items complete with integrated

controls.

Since the central system may

Local Air-Conditioning Systems

serve multiple zones the controls offer room-by-room or "zone"

are complex and depend on the

control, which minimizes over-

type of system.

cooling typical of central

Constant air volume (CAV) systems

alter the temperature while
keeping the constant air
delivery. CAV systems serving

multiple zones rely on reheat

coils to control the delivered
cooling. This incurs lot of

air-conditioning systems. With

the zone-control ability of
the compact systems, only
occupied spaces are maintained
at a comfort level, and
conditioning for the rest of
the building is turned down or
shut off.

energy wastage due to

simultaneous cooling and heating.
Space temperature control can
also be achieved by applying a
variable air volume (VAV) system,
which primarily alters the air
delivery rates. The VAV system

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LOCAL SYSTEMS

may or may not have a reheat

coil, which provides additional
heat when the space does not need
to be cooled or needs less
cooling than would be delivered
by supply air at the terminal
boxs minimum air quantity
setting.
All the components of the central A local system is truly an
system are integrated and

isolated system but the

function in unison for a large

multiple independent units may

setup.

be used to cover the entire

building. Each local system

generally does its own thing,
without regard to the
performance or operation of
other local systems.

Central systems are categorized

Local systems tend to be

as non-distributed systems.

distributed systems having

Failure of any key equipment

multiple units; Only one zone

component (such as a pump or

is affected if a unit

chiller) may affect an entire

malfunctions.

building. For critical

A building conditioned using

facilities, a standby-cooling

local system may have a dozen

machine is generally provided to

(or a hundred) individual and

ensure that air conditioning is

independent units located

always available.

throughout the building.

Distributed systems tend to
provide greater collective
reliability than do
centralized systems. The
failure of one of many units
may cause discomfort in one
room of a building but the
remaining units can still

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operate for rest of the
building.

In the central plant system it is In a floor-by-floor air

easy to provide for redundancy by conditioning system using
installing a standby chiller and

packaged units and splits it

pump in the same plant room.

is not always possible to

These units are connected to

provide a non-working standby

common condenser water/chilled

unit. Normally such units are

water headers thus minimizing the installed in multiple and are

requirement of additional space.

distributed over the air-

A multiple chiller plant arranged conditioned space. Therefore

in N*+1 configuration provides
more than 100% redundancy because

of the fact that most of the

chiller plant operates at offdesign conditions 99% of the

whenever a unit suffers a

breakdown, air conditioning is
inadequate causing user
complaints.
Local rooftop units or package
units if applied to critical

time.
Air handling units are normally
not provided as standby, as the

facilities like control

rooms/laboratories are often
provided with standby.

breakdown rates are

insignificant. A few standby
motors can be kept as spares in
the premises for such units.
(*N is number of chiller units with an
aggregate capacity of peak load
requirements)
The quality of air conditioning
is much superior in central airconditioning system.

The quality of air

conditioning is OK but not
comparable to central systems.

Central systems provide better

control over temperature,
relative humidity, indoor air
quality and air distribution.
The central systems are best

Local systems for instance do

not provide close humidity
control. The compact systems
being standard factory items
b

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suited for applications demanding cannot be modified to suit the

close control of temperature,

required design conditions all

humidity and cleanliness.

the times. Close humidity

control, if needed, in
computer room applications or
the like, can be accomplished
through special purpose
packaged units.

Central systems allow for

proportional control of

(on/off and temperature) is

temperature and eliminate hot

10

Individual room control

spots if the systems is properly

tested and balanced.

simple and inexpensive.

However, because temperature
control is usually twoposition, there can be swings
in room temperature.

Central system provides good dust

and particulate air filtration.
These systems can incorporate

11

high efficiency particulate

filters (HEPA), which offer
99.99% efficiency down to 0.3

Local systems cannot be

modified to include high
efficiency filtration as the
fan pressure is factory fixed
and is inadequate to overcome
the filter resistance.

micron.
Central systems provide better
indoor air quality. Multi stage
filtration can be employed to
improve the quality of supply air
and the fan static pressure can

12

In floor-by-floor systems, it
is not possible to provide a
high level of filtration or
increase the fresh air
quantity.

be selected to suit the pressure

Special filtrations need

drop.
Central systems provide good
control over ventilation air.
It is possible to control indoor
air quality in a central plant by
designing the main air handling

Page 20 of 40

however shall be carefully

evaluated against the units
fan static pressure.

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system for fixed or varying

quantities of fresh air.

Prestigious owners prefer central

systems.

individual ownership. Each

Most landmark buildings with a

single corporate or government
owner prefer to install central
plants as the quality of air
conditioning is superior and life
expectancy is higher. The
operation and maintenance cost is

13

Local systems provide

lower than a floor-by-floor

system.

tenant can own his air

conditioning plant, operate it
at his convenience and pay the
individual power bills.
Therefore, when a building
complex has a multiple owner
profile a floor-by-floor
system is preferred. For
applications such as leased
office space, energy use can
be metered directly to each
tenant. Units can be installed
to condition just one space at
a time as a building is
completed; remodeled, or as
individual areas are leased
and occupied.

14

Central HVAC systems offer

Local systems cannot benefit

opportunities for economies of

from economies of scale. The

scale. Larger capacity

coefficient of performance

refrigeration equipment is

(COP) of a refrigeration

usually more efficient than

system generally increases

smaller capacity equipment.

with capacity; as each local

Larger systems can utilize

unit is normally of low

cooling towers, which can improve capacity, local system COPs

system efficiencies in many

are relatively low.

climates.

Local systems are generally

air-cooled but the watercooled options are available

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to packaged units above 10tons
of refrigeration.

Central systems permit building-

Lack of interconnection

wide load sharing; this may

between multiple compact

result in reduced equipment sizes units means that loads cannot

15

(and costs) and the ability to

be shared on a building-wide

shift conditioning energy from

basis. A peak load capacity

one part of a building to

shall be provided for each

another.

zone. The capacity of local

Several central HVAC systems

unit equipment shall be

deliver improved efficiency and

designed for peak load of the

lower first cost by sharing load

zone without any diversity.

capacity across an entire

The local equipment energy use

building.

may also be greater because

fixed unit size increments
require over sizing for some
applications.

The supply air quantities of

central system can be designed to
any value by ordering custom
build fans.

The local system provides

fixed supply air quantity,
which is usually 400CFM per
ton of refrigeration.

The cooling coils in a central

plant can be specially designed
to handle higher latent loads and

16

The size of the cooling and

condenser coils is standard.

thus provide better control over

No choice is available for

moisture. The cooling coils can

coil selection, which is

be selected for high rows deep

generally fixed by the unit

(enhanced surface area) for

nameplate rating.

effective condensate removal.

The condenser sizing can also be
varied based on the refrigeration
capacity.
Generally trained and skilled

17

operators are required due to

complexity of controls and

Page 22 of 40

These systems are easy to

operate. Trained operators are
usually not required.

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numerous field assembled items

usually not required.

interfacing with each other.

Generally for small units the

control features are available
on hand held wireless remote.

Large central systems have life

18

expectancies of 20 to 25 years.

Local systems have life

expectancies of usually 10 to
15 years.

Central systems are selected for

big projects having large areas

19

where excellent quality of airconditioning is of paramount

importance.

interior building spaces can be

used along with compact units for
parametric zones.

central HVAC system is too

large or too expensive for a

Compact systems are good for

parametric areas or where spot
cooling is required for
example, in large retail

Alternatively, a central plant

with a VAV system can very well
handle the variations in
peripheral load.

21

when it is decided that a

particular project.

Central systems that serve the

20

Compact systems are selected

stores, the pharmaceutical

products can be maintained at
lower temperatures than the
surroundings.

Central systems allow major

Local systems maintenance may

equipment components to be

often be relatively simple but

isolated in a mechanical room.

such maintenance may have to

Grouping and isolating key

occur directly in occupied

operating components allows

spaces.

maintenance to occur with limited

disruption to building functions.

Outdoor units are designed for

easy access unless the units
are mounted on the steel
overhang platforms.

22

As system size and sophistication Because local systems are

increase, servicing/replacement

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likely to be of small capacity

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may become more difficult and may and are not complicated by
be available from specialist

interconnections with other

providers.

units, servicing of local

systems tends to be simple and
available through numerous
service providers.

In a building where a large

In a building where a large

number of spaces may be

number of spaces may be

unoccupied at any given time, the unoccupied at any given time,

23

central system shall run on part

such as a dormitory or a

load, which shall consume higher

motel, local systems may be

specific energy. During design

totally shut off in the unused

phase it is necessary to select

spaces, thus providing

optimum configuration of chiller

potential energy savings.

machines for instance a peak load

of 225 tons could be served
through 3 x 75 ton machine so
that one machine can be switched
off at low loads.
Also it may be wise to consider
adding local units for the few
rooms that are required operation
during off hours.
In a central system, the

As a self-contained system, a

individual control option is not

local HVAC system may provide

always available. If individual

greater occupant comfort

control is desired, the system

through totally individualized

shall be designed as variable air control options -- if one room

24

volume system (VAV) with

needs heating while an

localized thermostats.

adjacent one needs cooling,

two local systems can respond
without conflict.
Heating and cooling capability
can be provided at all times,
independent of other spaces in

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the building.

Central systems designed for VAV

system is based on block load
calculations, as the VAV units
allow the system to borrow air

The compact systems being

small are designed for full
peak load. No diversity is
taken on design.

from areas with low load. By

incorporating VAVs with variable
speed drive on air handling

25

units, it is possible to achieve

excellent savings in power, which

The standard rooftop or

package units are not
available with variable speed
option till now.

can be as high as 30 - 50% Even

though the initial cost of the
plant increases by 7% - 10% due
to VAVs and variable speed
drives, the pay back is normally
less than 2 years.
The conditioning effect from a

Many of the compact systems

central HVAC system is conveyed

are essentially ductless

throughout a building. The need

systems.

to transfer conditioned air or

For package or roof top units

water imposes space and volume

if the duct is used these are

demands on a building.

usually small and run very

Large duct sizes, for example,

short. This requires a little

may require an increase in floor- plenum space or can be

26

to-floor height and,

accommodated in limited floor-

consequently, building cost.

to-floor height of the

If this size is too large to

building.

permit a reasonable false ceiling Larger floor areas can use

height it may be desirable to

multiple units, which can

consider two smaller AHUs on each further help in reducing duct

floor. Sometime this also
requires an additional shaft in
the floor space.

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sizes.

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A central plant will require

No separate plant room space

plant room space to house

is required as the

chilling machines, chilled water

refrigeration package is

pumps; condenser water pumps

integral to the package

electric and control panels. In

unit/condensing unit which is

addition space is required

generally located outdoors.

outdoors for condensing unit for

Evaporator units are generally

air-cooled machines and cooling

located indoors.

tower for water-cooled machines.

Multiple condensing units are

The plant room size will depend

to be located outdoors for the

on the size of the plant. The

package units or split units.

plant room requires an adequate

There is a limitation that the

height of 4.3 to 4.9 meters.

condensing unit should not be

For air-cooled condenser options, located more than 100 ft

a space at one central location

horizontally from the indoor

is required outdoors at grade or

unit and vertically not more

at terrace.

than 30 ft higher than the

indoor unit.
This distance limitation for
multiple units may require
condensing units to be mounted
on the overhanging sunshades
or on steel platforms bolted
to the outside building wallsmaking maintenance extremely
risky and difficult. Buildings
also start looking shabby and
disfigured.

The water-cooled systems are more While package/rooftop units

28

compact in size. A space for

are available with water-

cooling tower shall be required

cooled condensers options, the

outdoors or at the terrace.

major share of small capacity

The centrifugal machines require

installations use air-cooled

water-cooled condenser while the

equipment. Even though the

reciprocating and screw machines

power requirements for air-

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are available with both air-

cooled equipment may exceed

cooled and water cooled options.

the total power requirement

per ton for water-cooled
equipment at rated conditions,
actual operating circumstances
may result in a lower total
power cost for air-cooled
equipment on a year round
basis in some applications.
Poor water quality, regular
chemical dosage requirements
etc. is also a factor in favor
of air-cooled equipment

Central systems do not provide

flexibility of individual energy
metering very easily. A complex
metering system generally based

29

on BTU/hr (measured from flow and

The energy utilization of

local compact units can be
simply measured by installing
a local energy meter with each
unit.

temperature differential) of
chilled water energy is first
measured to convert to equivalent
power units in kWH.

30

Accessible space above false

Accessible space above false

ceiling is needed for locating

ceiling is needed for split

the volume control dampers and

unit coolers.

other duct auxiliaries.

Accessible space above false

Accessible space above false

ceiling is also needed for

ceiling is needed if ceiling

ducted packaged or rooftop

mounted fan coil units are

systems.

considered for instance all-water

or air-water central systems.
For central systems, the building The local systems are smaller

31

structure should be designed to

take the weight of equipment.
Suitable vibration control must

Page 27 of 40

in size and are less bulky.

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be considered.
Adequate load bearing beams and
columns must be available for
lifting and shifting of such
equipment.
A shaft is needed to house

Does not require chilled water

chilled water piping, condenser

pipes as the units are DX

water piping, supply, return &

(direct expansion refrigerant)

fresh air ducts and power/control type.

distribution cables.

Separate shafts are not

required until the package
unit is water-cooled type.

32

The air-cooled package unit

shall require refrigerant
piping routing to connect the
indoor evaporator unit with
the condenser unit, which is
normally not routed through
shafts.
Central systems require plumbing

Moisture condensate removal

and drainage arrangement in the

can be a problem if proper

central plant room where

removal is not provided.

chiller/pumps are located and

33

Since majority of time the

also where AHU/FCU cooling coils

evaporator unit is located

are provided.

with in the zone or at the

zone boundary, the plumbing
need to be carried out in the
indoor spaces.
Consideration must be given to

Local system unit compressors

the noise of the chillers and

are totally sealed (hermetic

whether this will affect adjacent or semi-open) and are located

34

buildings particularly if the

outdoors.

equipment is located outdoors.

Operating sound levels of the

If the equipment is located

i d

th

ll

indoor equipment could be high

d

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indoors, the plant room walls and though tolerable.

the AHU room walls must be
acoustically treated.

Outdoor units are generally

quiet enough to be installed
under a window or near a patio
so sleeping or the
entertaining of guests is not
disrupted.

Thought must be given to the

The local systems are usually

access path to plant rooms and

compact. Replacement is quite

AHU rooms. The equipment may be

simple and easy.

quite bulky and voluminous. In

35

case of a breakdown, the machine

may have to be shifted to a
service shop for repair. The
building design must provide this
space.

36

It is possible to design central

The local systems are standard

system to include active smoke

items and it may not suit

control. This is best

modifications in system design

accomplished by all-air HVAC

other than interlocking the

system.

fan motors with fire

detectors/panel.

Central systems are also amenable Local system units cannot be

to centralized energy management

easily connected together to

control schemes and the building

permit centralized energy

management systems (BMS).

management operations. Local

systems can be integrated to
BMS with respect to on-off

37

functions through electric

circuit control, but more
sophisticated central control
(such as night-setback or
economizer operation) is not
possible.

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It is possible to maintain

Package or rooftop units

positive pressure with central

provide limited positive

systems. The clean room

pressurization. The smaller

applications, pharmaceutical

split units mounted indoors

units, electronic rooms etc

are generally 100% re-

require high degree of positive

circulation type and can not

pressurization.

ensure pressurization.

Different AHU units shall be

It is easy to provide

required for critical areas where independent package units

39

cross contamination is a concern

where cross-contamination is a

such as pharmaceutical plants.

concern.

Also in food court areas ideally

different restaurants shall be
fed with independent units to
avoid cross zoning of smells.
With central systems it is
possible to incorporate

normally not used with

strategies which are desirable

with increased ventilation rates:
!"Increased re-circulation
with high efficiency
filters

standard compact units.

Sometimes to maintain
acceptable indoor air quality
it is often recommended to
install a separate dedicated

!"Heat recovery devices can

be provided

40

Increased ventilation rate is

fresh air unit.

Outdoor air economizers are

!"Economizer: An economizer

not always available to

allows outside air to be

provide low cost cooling with

used for cooling when its

standard units. Economizers

temperature is lower than

are available as an option for

the temperature inside the

rooftop units. California

building. The economizer

energy efficiency standards

function is part of the

require economizers on large

control package on many

units to avail benefits of

single-packaged units.

free cooling during low

!"Automatic carbon dioxide

monitoring can be

Page 30 of 40

ambient temperatures.

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incorporated.

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LOCAL SYSTEMS
The package and rooftop units
can be provided with CO2
sensors and heat recovery
devices.

Central systems are generally

designed as concealed systems and

41

the visible distribution grilles

etc can be easily blended with

The appearance of local units

can be unappealing and may not
necessarily blend well with
the aesthetics.

the aesthetics.

Packaged and split units have

Initial Cost

The initial cost of a central air much lower first cost than a
conditioning system is much

central system. These units

higher than a local system.

are standard and the cost of

Depending on the type of

these systems is proportional

equipment selected the cost can

to the capacity. However, the

vary to a great extent.

life expectancy of floor-by-

For example, a reciprocating

floor system is much lower at

packaged chiller is much cheaper

about 12 to 15 years only as

than a screw-packaged chiller and compared to 20 to 25 years for

42

the screw-packaged chiller is

central systems. Also the

cheaper than a centrifugal

operating costs tend to be

chiller.

higher on peak load

Air-cooled machines are costlier

comparisons.

than water-cooled machines.

Therefore, the budget available
with the owner at the time of
building the facility play a
major role in selecting the type
air conditioning system.
When it comes to air handling
units, the single skin airhandling unit is much cheaper
than a double skin air handler.

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LOCAL SYSTEMS

However, the system cleanliness

and aesthetics achieved by using
double skin air handling units is
far superior. The life expectancy
of these units is also higher.
VAVs and a building management
system if added will increase the
capital cost by 10%-15%. However
there will be a saving in power
cost and so it is important to
work out the payback period to
determine the techno-commercial
liabilities of the final selected
system.
Engineering Cost

Engineering cost, time and

Whenever a major facility like a

risk factors for designing a

multi-storey building project is

unitary floor-by-floor system

designed, it is imperative that

are usually lower than those

an HVAC engineer be involved from for a central system for the

the initial stage itself. Such a
design and build approach will

43

following reasons:

Load calculations and

lead to a well co-coordinated

corresponding equipment

effort between the architect,

selections are less

HVAC engineer, builder and

critical with packaged

client. Such involvement will

floor-by-floor systems.

also provide expertise to

The multiple numbers of

evaluate and analyze the techno-

modular units will

economic aspects of each system.

provide built in safety

The system selection must

cum flexibility into the

precede the final

design.

architectural design of the

Unitary or packaged

building. Even though such

systems are factory

engineering inputs seem to

built standard

add to the cost and time of

equipment. The quantum

the project.

of work to be carried

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LOCAL SYSTEMS

A central plant design

out at site is much less

envisages equipment

as compared to central

layouts, ducting layouts,

plant system as the

piping layouts, which are

amount of ducting piping

much more complex.

and insulation work is

Layout finalization is also

much less.

time consuming, as these

Engineering skill, cost

designs are required to be

and time required to

well integrated with

install a floor-by-floor

structural, interior

packaged system is much

layouts and other

less as compared to a

utilities.

central plant.

Floor-by-floor system
layouts are much simpler
and repeated multiple
times.

Installation Cost

Local system provides simple

The mechanical installation cost

and faster installation. These

of a central plant is much higher are easy to install and less

than a floor-by-floor system due

time consuming since standard

to the following reasons.

size units are readily

Main air conditioning

available.

equipment is heavy and

Replacements can be carried

voluminous requiring strong out very fast.

foundations and proper

44

material handling facility

at site.

Air handling units/cooling

towers/fans must be lifted
to upper floors or terrace.

Some equipment requires

extra care during
installation to ensure
minimum vibrations and
smooth operation.

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Larger quantities of
ducting, piping and
insulation are required and
their installation cost is
higher.
The power consumption of local

Operating Costs

The modern centrifugal machine is compact units can vary from

capable of operating at a power

1.0 kW per ton to 1.3 kW per

consumption of 0.50 - 0.60 kW per ton.

ton.

The type of compressors used

In addition to the above,

in these machines is either

centrifugal machines are now

hermetic reciprocating type or

available with variable speed

scroll. The part load

drives (VSD), which enables

efficiency of such units is

machines to operate at off design lower than their full load

conditions at 0.40, 0.30 and even efficiency.
at 0.20 kW/ton. This leads to an
unprecedented energy saving.
On the low side of the central AC

45

system, air-handling units are

the biggest consumer of power
next to the chillers. If constant

Cooling efficiency for air

conditioners, splits, package
units and heat pumps is
indicated by a SEER (Seasonal
Energy Efficiency Ratio)
rating.

volume air handling units are

provided, these consume the same
energy day in and day out
irrespective of variation in

Heat pumps also have heating

efficiency ratings, indicated
as an HSPF (Heating Seasonal
Performance Factor).

load.
By incorporating VAV terminal

In general, the higher the

boxes with variable speed drive

SEER or HSPF rating, the less

on air handling units it is

electricity the unit will use

possible to achieve excellent

to cool (or heat) your home.

savings in power. Saving in power The government-mandated

could be as high as 30% -50%.

minimum efficiency standards

For all air-conditioning systems

for units installed in new

a vast majority of operating

homes at 10.0 SEER and 6.8

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hours are spent at off design

HSPF. Air conditioners and

conditions. Therefore it is

heat pumps manufactured today

important select machines which

have SEER ratings that range

the best off design performance.

from 10.0 to about 17. Heat

pumps are available with HSPF
ratings from about 6.8 to
10.0.

Maintenance Cost

The floor-by-floor system

The breakdown, repair,

repair cost per breakdown is

replacement and maintenance cost

normally low. With the

of central plants can be

emergence of reliable hermetic

expensive and time consuming.

and scroll compressors, their

However, the frequency of such

maintenance expenditure has

breakdown is quite low.

shown remarkable improvements

These systems require routine

and is less time consuming and

inspection and planned checks.

simple.

Daily operation also adds to the

running cost, as trained
operators are required.

46

Roof mounted packaged units

typically have maintenance
costs of 11% or higher than a

Maintenance costs are difficult

central plant system serving

to predict since they can vary

the same building.

widely depending on the type of

system, the owner's perception of
what is needed, the proximity of
skilled labor and the labor rates
in the area.
A recent survey of office
buildings indicated a median cost
of $0.24 per sq. ft per year. The
Building Owners and Managers
Association (BOMA) may provide
more locally specific
information.

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Central systems can be applied

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With local systems, switching

with large thermal energy storage off few of the multiple units

47

systems to take benefits of

can control the peak load

reduced cooling demand during

energy demand. Thermal energy

expensive peak load periods.

storage is not possible with

compact systems.

In nutshell central systems provides better quality of indoor parameters and energy efficiency.
From energy efficiency point of view it is highly recommended to evaluate your selection
thoroughly if any of the conditions below are true.
1. If the building square feet floor area exceeds 10000 sqft
2. Ratio of occupancy hours to operative hours of less that 0.6 indicates that rescheduling
equipment operation can save energy.
3. Annual energy consumption in excess of 50,000 BTU/sqft. (Of the building)

4. Total capacity of heating and cooling equipment combined capacity exceeding 100
BTUH/sqft

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PART 4

PDH Course M149

www.PDHonline.org

HVAC DESIGN DEVELOPMENT CHECKLISTS

HVAC systems consume an important part of the building construction budget, account for a
major portion of a typical buildings annual energy consumption, often require substantial space
allocations and contribute to interior environment that is critically evaluated by the building
occupants and visitors.
Everyone cares about cost! But the wise customer lays down a list of minimum requirements and
then negotiates. The "penny-wise pound-foolish" customer goes for price only and skimps on
equipment and design specifications.
The design of HVAC systems is intimately related to various parameters, including but not limited
to the factors listed below.

Details of architecture:
!"Structure, orientation, geographical location, altitude, shape, modules- size & height
!"Purpose of the building, area classification, occupancy and usage patterns
!"Ratio of internal to external zones, glazing, plant room sitting, space for service
distribution
!"Climate and shading, thermal insulation, passive climate control, relationship with
adjacent buildings
!"New or existing building, renovation or extension project, retrofitting or new equipment,
!"Plant and system design to match the characteristic of the building and the need to meet
the needs (known and unknown) of the ultimate occupants.

Details of Space allocation:

!"Floor space and clear heights to accommodate HVAC plant, equipment, distribution and
room elements
!"Shaft spaces available for routing ducts/pipes etc
!"Location and size of structural columns and beams, clearance through steelwork, position
of reinforcing rods, etc;
!"Ceiling height, clearance between suspended ceilings and beams;
!"Foundation and supports requirement, permissible loadings;
!"Location of obstructions that may be in the route of air-conditioning services, particularly
ductwork;

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Details of building construction:

!"Materials and thickness of walls, roof, ceilings, floors and partitions and their relative
positions in the structure, thermal and vapor transmittance coefficients, areas and types
of glazing, external building finishes and color as they affect solar radiation, shading
devices at windows, overhangs, etc., as they reduce solar radiation and light
transmission, building mass, particularly as it affects thermal capacity;
!"Sound and vibration control requirement, relation of air-conditioning equipment to critical
areas;
!"Co-ordination with other services (e.g. electrical and plumbing work), use of service
shafts, ducts and equipment rooms to best mutual advantage;

Building regulations
!"Government and local regulation on occupancy & safety classification
!"Regulations of Public utilities on electrical wiring, power usage, water supply and
drainage
!"Health and Safety regulations on indoor air quality, ventilation air quantities, noise
control, electrical, fuel, insulation and other hazardous materials
!"Local fire authority regulations and smoke removal systems
!"Insurance company regulations

Miscellaneous Requirements
!"Accessibility for installation of equipment, space for maintenance;
!"Location of fresh air intakes and exhausts (to avoid short-circuiting and contamination);
!"Location of fire zones and fire walls (position of fire dampers);
!"Acceptable noise level: space available to house equipment and its location relative to
the conditioned space
!"Indoor & outdoor equipment preferences
!"Acceptability of components obtruding into the conditioned space
!"Plumbing arrangements, drains location, capacity, restriction on discharge;

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PDH Course M149

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Building Aesthetics
!"Architectural characteristics of space,
!"Reflected ceiling plans: Integration of air distribution devices in ceiling to harmonize with
lighting layout, fire sprinklers, detectors, communication systems and ceiling design
!"Size and appearance of terminal devices

System considerations:
!"Thermal influence Solar gain, ambient conditions (dry bulb/wet bulb temperatures),
indoor condition (dry bulb/relative humidity) requirements, heat gain from people, artificial
lighting, equipment and machinery, ventilation air load
!"System behavior Thermal comfort, indoor air quality, cooling /heating peak loads,
partial loads, average load conditions and pattern of variation, capacity of the system
!"Load behavior Sensible/latent heat balance, Load diversity, and system response
related to thermal capacity storage effects
!"Psychrometric processes engineer prefer to carry out their calculations on a
psychrometric chart of the aspects include actual vapor pressure; relative humidity;
moisture content; specific enthalpy; specific volume (or humid volume) and dewpoint.
!"Operation Philosophy- Hours of system operation;
!"Control Systems- Zone or individual control, system response and lags, permissible
tolerances and time system, direct digital controls, sequence of operations and control
logic
!"Energy Efficiency- Energy availability, level & pattern of energy use, type of system, peak
load and part load energy performance, Variable speed drive, energy efficient equipment,
building management systems, economizer controls, zoning requirements
!"Control and operational requirements supervision, records, type of adjustment and
regulation, hours of operation, summer/winter changeover, day/night and weekend
operation, high/low limit protection, frost protection, fire protection, special control areas
(e.g. computer rooms, executive offices);
!"Redundancy- Spare & standby requirements, equipment configuration
!"Technology features Humidification/dehumidification requirements, Air purity, Special
acoustic treatment, fire protection & smoke management; Water service capacity,
pressure, maximum temperature, chemical analysis (choice of materials), water
treatment;

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PDH Course M149

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!"Commissioning and testing of the completed plant and the adjustment to ensure that it
operate as designed in all respect. It is a matter of increasing importance, as components
become more sophisticated, more packaged and thus less susceptible to any level of
repair.

Financial Constraints
!"Capital cost
!"Operating cost (fuel, power & water)
!"Maintenance & consumables cost
!"Replacement costs
!"Upgrading costs
!"Equipment failure costs
!"Labor costs
!"Insurance costs
!"Interest on capital and depreciation
!"Return of investment (ROI)/Life cycle analysis
Costs can often be influenced by the owners/companys insurers and risk managers.
Successful HVAC systems are the key to successful buildings. Proper selection of airconditioning services and choice of the most effective system is the foremost application
consideration. This includes primary influence from the architect.
It is important to understand the characteristics of the building envelope, functional requirements
and desired environmental conditions. Each solution begins with an assessment of the owners
business needs, architects vision and the requirements of the end user, combined with a review
of the HVAC system itself, be it existing or planned.

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